Jesus

Jesus1

“The name that is above every name’2

We all love our names. That is one thing that is music to our ears. It is what identifies and distinguishes each one of us from others as a unique and different person. Many names have meanings. And often the names of children reflect the parents’ beliefs, attitudes and preferences. Above all else, it often stands for what the parents want the child to become like.

When God the Father made known His desire to name His Son Jesus, He was making His desires about His Son known to Joseph and Mary. We cannot start a journey of Christmas without understanding the significance of the name Jesus.

The significance of the name “Jesus” is that it reveals the great purpose for which He came to this world. His name reveals the fact that He came to save us from our sins. In the midst of our Christmas celebrations we usually tend to forget the purpose of Jesus’ birth. And the purpose of His birth is power-packed in His name.

In His name we have forgiveness of sins. Let us look at a few Scriptures that proclaim this truth.

  1. “And repentance and forgiveness of sins3 will be preached in his name3 to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47 NIV).
  2. “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name3” (Acts 10:43 NIV).
  3. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins3” (Acts 2:38a NIV).
  4. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name3 under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).

The Prophet Joel had earlier prophesied about this salvation thus: “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32a NIV). This was later quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:21 NIV). It is therefore crystal clear as to whose name we are to call on to be saved. No other name can save. Therefore there is power in the name of Jesus! We can be saved if we call on the name of Jesus!

Let our Christmas be special because we have understood the significance of the name of Jesus!


1 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NIV). The NIV footnote says: “Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves.
2 Philippians 2:9 NIV
3 Emphasis added by author.




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